What size clothes does a 3 year old wear?

Australian kids clothing sizes use age ranges as labels, which creates a practical problem: children of the same age vary significantly in height and build. A 3 year old can wear size 2-3 or size 3-4, and a taller 3 year old may need 4-5 depending on where they sit on the growth curve.

This guide explains how Australian kids clothing sizing works and how to find the right size for your specific child.

How Australian kids clothing sizes work

Australian kids clothing sizes are labelled by age ranges: 00, 0, 1, 2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, and so on. These labels are meant to indicate the typical child age for that size, not a precise fit specification.

The actual sizing underneath these labels is based on height and, to a lesser extent, weight and chest measurement. Different brands use slightly different grading, which is why the same child can be a 3-4 in one brand and a 4-5 in another.

The most reliable way to find the right size is to measure your child and compare those measurements to the brand's specific size chart, not to the age label.

What size does a 3 year old typically wear?

A typical 3 year old in Australia sits somewhere between 92 and 104cm in height. That range crosses two sizes:

• Size 2-3: Generally fits children 92 to 98cm tall
• Size 3-4: Generally fits children 98 to 104cm tall

A 3 year old who is 95cm will likely be most comfortable in size 2-3. A 3 year old who is 101cm will likely need size 3-4. A child at the boundary between sizes should usually go up, particularly for tops and pants where a slightly larger fit reads as relaxed rather than small.

For a deeper look at why one brand's 3-4 does not always fit like another's, see Why do kids' clothes fit differently between brands?

How to measure your child

A few measurements cover most kids clothing purchases:

Height: Measure standing without shoes, against a wall, with feet flat on the floor. This is the most reliable predictor of clothing size.

Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape horizontal. Relevant for tops and jackets.

Waist: Measure around the natural waist, typically 2 to 3cm above the belly button. Relevant for pants and skirts.

Inside leg: Measure from the crotch to the ankle for pants. This measurement varies more than height, particularly between children of the same height but different proportions.

Sizing at Saint Toba

Saint Toba sizes typically run from 2-3 through to 5-6, with 12-18 months added on selected AW26 Capsule One pieces. The 2-3 size fits most children in the 92 to 98cm height range; the 3-4 fits the 98 to 104cm range.

Our stripe trackpants include an adjustable waist, which means they work across a slightly wider range than a fixed-waist pant. If your child is between sizes, the adjustable waist gives you flexibility to go up and adjust the fit.

Our kids tops are cut with a relaxed fit that reads well across the size range. A child on the smaller end of 3-4 will wear our 3-4 top without it looking oversized.

Buying for growth

For everyday basics worn constantly, sizing up by one for a 3 year old is usually worth it. The child gets more use out of the garment, and a slightly relaxed fit is practical for active play.

The AW26 Capsule One includes pieces for kids in the 2-6 age range. If you want to see the full range of sizing and pieces available, you can browse all Saint Toba products with size guides on each product page.

Frequently asked questions

What size does a 3 year old wear in Australia?

Most 3 year olds wear size 2-3 or 3-4. Size 2-3 fits children 92 to 98cm tall; size 3-4 fits 98 to 104cm. Always check the brand's measurement chart rather than relying on the age label.

How do I measure my child for kids clothing?

Measure height standing without shoes and chest circumference around the fullest part of the chest. Waist circumference matters for pants, together with inside leg from crotch to ankle. Compare these measurements to the brand's size chart.

Do Australian kids clothing sizes run small or large?

It varies by brand. Always check the measurement chart in centimetres rather than relying on the age label, as brands differ in how they grade for height and build.

Should I size up for a 3 year old?

For non-fitted pieces like trackpants and casual tops, sizing up is often a good strategy. It gives 6 to 12 months of additional wear. For fitted or structured items, stick to the measured size.

What is size 3 in Australian kids clothing?

Size 2-3 in Australian kids clothing typically corresponds to a height of approximately 92 to 98cm. The height measurement is the more reliable fit guide than the age label.

Related reading

Why do kids' clothes fit differently between brands? unpacks the brand-to-brand grading question this piece touches on. How do you buy kids' clothes as a gift when you don't know their size? covers the same sizing question if the piece is a gift.